The Ongoing Challenges One Year After the U.S. Asbestos Ban
In March 2024, the United States took a historic step by banning the last remaining uses of chrysotile asbestos—the most commonly used form of the mineral worldwide. It was a big win for public health, but it didn’t mean the asbestos problem was over. A year later, it’s clear that putting the ban into action comes with serious challenges. There’s still a long way to go to fully protect people from the dangers of asbestos exposure.
1. Legacy Asbestos Remains
Despite the new federal ban, asbestos still lingers in millions of older homes, schools, factories, and public buildings across the U.S. It’s found in insulation, floor tiles, cement pipes, roofing materials, and countless other construction components installed before asbestos restrictions began decades ago.
The problem? Asbestos isn’t dangerous when left undisturbed but renovation, demolition, and even natural disasters can release deadly fibers into the air. Without proper abatement and disposal, these hidden hazards continue to put workers and communities at risk. Many contractors – especially small or underfunded ones – lack the training, resources, or incentives to handle asbestos safely.
2. A Lingering Health Crisis
Asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancers, take decades to develop after exposure. That means even with the 2024 ban in place, the U.S. will continue to see rising numbers of cases for years to come—especially among workers exposed in the late 20th century or through current renovation work.
According to the EPA, asbestos still contributes to more than 40,000 deaths in the U.S. annually. Mesothelioma alone claims over 2,500 American lives each year, with no known cure. This long disease latency makes asbestos a lingering public health crisis.
3. Illegal Imports and Trade Loopholes
Although asbestos is now banned for commercial use in the U.S., illegal imports remain a real concern. Globally, several countries, like Russia, Kazakhstan, and India, still mine and export chrysotile asbestos. Without airtight enforcement, there’s a risk that asbestos-containing materials could slip through supply chains, especially in imported auto parts, construction products, or industrial equipment.
Monitoring and regulation must be constant.This requires collaboration between customs agencies, manufacturers, distributors, and regulatory bodies.
4. Cost and Complexity of Safe Removal
Removing asbestos from buildings isn’t as simple as tearing out old insulation or floor tiles. It’s a highly regulated, technical process that demands specialized equipment, protective gear, and trained abatement teams. For many building owners, especially in lower-income areas or smaller municipalities, safe removal remains unaffordable.
This is where funding and federal or state-level support become essential. Without subsidies or grant programs, some property owners may opt for cheaper but hazardous shortcuts that put workers and residents in harm’s way.
5. Public Awareness and Worker Training Gaps
Even after the ban, many Americans don’t realize asbestos could still be present in their homes or workplaces. DIY renovators, landlords, and contractors may unknowingly disturb asbestos without taking proper safety precautions.
Expanding public education about where asbestos might be found and who to call for proper testing and removal should be a top priority. Licensing and training requirements for abatement professionals must also be strengthened to ensure consistent standards across states.
6. Global Disparities in Asbestos Use
The U.S. ban contributes to global momentum against asbestos, but the battle isn’t over. As of 2024, 68 countries and territories have banned asbestosbut dozens more still allow its use or production. Russia remains the world’s largest exporter, and developing nations continue to rely on cheap asbestos-based materials in construction.
Without coordinated global action, exposure risks will persist — especially for workers in low-income countries. International cooperation, trade policy alignment, and technical assistance will be critical to reducing worldwide asbestos use and protecting vulnerable populations.
The U.S. ban on asbestos was a critical turning point but it’s only the beginning of a long, complex journey. Fully protecting public health requires tackling the legacy materials still present in our infrastructure, supporting safe abatement practices, and closing enforcement gaps. It also means preparing for a long-term wave of asbestos-related illnesses and ensuring support systems for affected individuals and families.
Asbestos may be banned, but its legacy still lives in our walls, our pipes, and our public health systems. The true success of the 2024 ban will be measured not just by what was stopped but by how we continue to manage what remains.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with any type of mesothelioma after asbestos exposure, our experienced team at Goldberg Persky and White is here to help. Contact us at 412-471-3980 or fill out our contact form to learn about your options and see if you could be entitled to compensation.
